BEDFORD, N.H. — Chief John Bryfonski is pleased to announce that the Bedford Police Department, in conjunction with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will once again be participating in National Drug Take Back Day next week.
WHEN:
Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE:
The Bedford Police Station, 55 Constitution Drive.
WHAT:
National Drug Take Back Day is a biannual, free, no-questions-asked event that gives the community the opportunity to aid in the fight against substance use disorder by disposing of potentially dangerous expired, unwanted or unused prescription drugs. As part of the event, residents can drop off unwanted pills or patches, but not liquids, needles or sharps.
Residents are encouraged to place the unwanted medications into a container or into a disposable plastic bag that can be dumped into the red drop box in the lobby of the Bedford Police Station. The DEA does not accept medications disposed of in blister packs.
According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2019 alone an estimated 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives.
“This event is a great opportunity for residents to dispose of any unwanted or expired medications, preventing the possibility of it ending up in the wrong hands,” Chief Bryfonski said. “We are happy to be participating in this national event as a way to help protect the health and safety of our community.”
The Bedford Police also have a permanent take back box in the police station lobby for those who wish to dispose of prescriptions, but are unable to attend Take Back Day. Residents should note that no liquids, needles, or inhalers can be dropped off at the kiosk. A separate box is available for sharps.
The community is also reminded that masks and social distancing will be required at both the Bedford Police Department’s National Drug Take Back Day event and any time residents visit the drug disposal kiosk during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs, about this month’s Take Back Day or for complete results from past Take Back Day events, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.
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